Sears 917.299642 User manual

Brand: Sears

Model: 917.299642

Category: Mini tillers

Type: User manual

This manual is also suitable for

917299642

SWAURS

OWNER'S

MANUAL

MODEL NO,

917.299642

Caution:

Read and follow

all Safety Rules

and Instructions

Before Operating

This Equipment

£RI:IFTSMI:IN

4.0 HORSEPOWER

14 INCH TINE WIDTH

COUNTER ROTATING TINES

REAR TINE TILLER

Assembly

Operation

Maintenance

Service and Adjustment

Repair Parts

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Chicago, IL 60684 U.S.A.

SAFETY RULES

Safe Operation Practices for Walk-Behind Powered Rotary Tillers

TRAINING

- Read the operating and service instructionmanual

carefully. Be thoroughlyfamiliar with the controls and

the proper use of the equipmentv Know howto stopthe

unit and disengage the controls quickly_

• Never allow children to operate the equipment° Never

allow adults to operate the equipment without proper

instruction

. Keep the area of operation clear of all persons, particu-

larly small children, and pets_

PREPARATION

° Thoroughly inspectthe area where the equipment isto

be used and removeall foreign objects°

. Disengage all clutches and shift into neutral before

starting the engine (motor)..

= Do not operate the equipment without wearing ade-

quate outer garments.. Wear footwear that will improve

footing on slippery" surfaces.

. Handle fuel with care; it is highly flammable..

• Use an approved fuel container.,

• Never add fuel to a running engine or hot engine.

• Fillfuel tank outdoors with extreme care. Never fill

fuel tank indoors_

• Replace gasoline cap securely and clean up spilled

fuel before restarting

• Use extension cords and receptaclesasspecified bythe

manufacturer for all units with electric drive motors or

electric starting motors.

• Never attempt to make any adjustments while the engine

(motor) is running (except where specifically recom-

mended by manufacturer),

OPERATION

. Do not put hands or feet near or under rotating parts.,

° Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing

gravel drives, walks, or roads_ Stay alert for hidden

hazards or traffic, Do not carry passengers,

• After' striking a foreign object, stop the engine (motor),

remove the wire from the spark plug, thoroughly inspect

the tiller for any damage, and repair the damage before

restarting and operating the tillers.

• Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling.

. If the unit should start to vibrate abnormally, stop the

engine (motor) and check immediately forthe cause°Vi-

bration is generally a warning of trouble.,

. Stop the engine (motor) when leaving the operating

position, before unclogging the tines, and when making

any repair, adjustments, and inspections,

° Take all possible precaufionswhen leaving the machine

unattended., Disengage the power take-off, lower the

attachment, shift into neutral, stop the engine, and

remove the key.

• Before cleaning, repairing, or' inspecting, shut off the

engine and make certain all moving parts have stopped_

Disconnect the spark plug wire, and keep the wire away

from the plug to prevent accidental starting Disconnect

the cord on electric motors.

° Do not run the engine indoors;exhaust fumesare dan-

gerous.

• Never operate the tillerwithout properguards, plates, or

other safety protective devices in place.

• Keep children and pets away.

• Donotoverload the machine capacity by attempting totill

too deep at too fast a rate.

• Never allow bystanders near the unit.,

• Use only attachments and accessories approved by the

manufacturer ofthetirler(such aswheelweights, counter_

weights, cabs, and the like).

• Never operate the tillerwithout good visibility or light,

• Be careful when tilling in hard ground. The tines may

catch in the ground and propel the tiller forward. If this

occurs, let go of the handlebars and do not restrainthe

machine.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE

• Keep machine, attachments, and accessories in safe

workingcondition..

. Check shear bolts, engine mounting bolts, and other

bolts at frequent intervalsfor propertightnessto besure

the equipmentisin safe workingcondition_

. Never storethe machine withfuel inthe fuel tankinside

abuildingwhere ignitionsourcesare present,suchas hot

water and space heaters, clothesdryers, and the like.

Allowthe enginetocoolbeforestoringinany enclosure.,

. Always refer to the Owner's Manual instructionsfor im-

portantdetails ifthe tiller isto be storedfor an extend-

ed period.

-IMPORTANT -

Warnings, Cautions, and Notes are a means of attracting attentionto importantor criticalinformationinthis manual.,

illll i ill i i illl illlllllllllllllll illlll

LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL TO POINT

OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY PRE-

CAUTIONS. IT MEANS -- ATTENTION!

BECOME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS

INVOLVED.

CAUTION: USED TO ALERT YOU THAT THERE IS

A POSSIBILITY OF DAMAGING THIS

EQUIPMENT_

NOTE: Gives essential informationthat will aid you to

better understand, incorporate, or execute a particular

set of instructions.

CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase of a Sears

Craftsman Tiller° it has been des=gned,engineered and

manufacturedto give you the bestpossibledependability

and performance.

Should you experience any problemsyou cannoteasily

remedy, please contactyournearest Sears Service Cen-

teriDepartmentoWe have competent,well trainedtechni-

cians and the propertoolstoservice or repairthisunit

Please read and retain this manual. The instructionswill

enable you to assembleand maintainyour Tiller prop-

erty, Always observethe SAFETY RULES

MODEL

NUMBER 917.299642

SERIAL

NUMBER

DATE OF

PURCHASE

THE MODEL AND SERIAL NUMBERS WILL BE

FOUND ON THE MODEL PLATE ATTACHED TO

THE TOP OF THE TRANSMISSION,

YOU SHOULD RECORD BOTH SERIAL NUMBER

AND DATE OF PURCHASE AND KEEP IN A SAFE

PLACE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE,,

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

HORSEPOWER: 4_0

DISPLACEMENT: 11,39 CUoIN,,

GASOLINE CAPACITY: 2 QUART

(UNLEADED)

OIL (20 OZ. CAPACITY): SAE 30W

(SAE 10W 30)

SPARK PLUG (GAP ,030 IN,): CHAMPION

RCJ8

MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

A Sears Maintenance Agreement is available on this

product. Contact your nearest Sears store'for details,

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES

. Read and observe the safety rules.

• Follow a regular schedule in maintaining, caring for and using your Tiller_

. Fo_towthe instructionsunder Maintenance" and "Storage" sections of thisOwner's Manual,,

LIMITED ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY ON CRAFTSMAN TILLER

For one year from date of purchase, when this Craftsman Tiller is maintained, lubricated, and tuned up ac-

cording to the instructions in the owner s manual, Sears wilt repair, free of charge, any detect in material and

workmanship,,

If this Craftsman Tiller is used for commercial or rental purposes, this Warranty applies for only 30 days from

the date of purchase.

This Warranty does not cover:

• expendable itemswhich become worn during normal use, such as tines, spark plug, air cleaners and bells,

• Repairs necessary because of operator abuse or negligence, including bent crankshafts and the failure to

maintain the equipment according to the instructions contained in the owner's manual

WARRANTY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE BY RETURNING THE CRAFTSMAN TILLER TO THE NEAREST

SEARS SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES. THIS WARRANTY APPLIES ONLY

WHILE THIS PRODUCT iS IN USE IN THE UNITED STATES

This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to

state.,

Sears, Roebuck and Co., D/731CR-W, Sears Tower, Chicago, IL 60684

-NOTE-

This unit is equipped with an internalcombustion engine and should not be used on or near any unimprovedforest-

covered, brush-covered or grass covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester

meetingapplicablelocal or state laws(if any). Ifa spark arrester isused, itshouldbe maintained in effectiveworkingorder

by the operator.

in the state of Californiathe above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code) Other

states may have similar laws. Federal laws apply on federal lands, See your Sears Authorized Service Center for spark

arrester. Refer topage 33 of Repair Partssection ofthis manualfor part number.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

, iii1,,Jl,Jll,,,Jlll,,Ji J, i, ,,ulJl, i,ii,llll,ll,,ii,u,lll iin i ii i iii i i i

SAFETY RULES ............................................................................ 2

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES ...............................................3

WARRANTY ...............................................................................3

PRODUCT SPECI FICATtONS ..................................................5

TILLER ACCESSORIES ........................................................................5

ASSEMBLY ...................................................................................................................6

OPERATION ............................................................................................9

MAINTENANCE .............................................................................14

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS ...........................................16

SERVICE & ADJUSTMENT ..............................................................17

STORAGE .................................................................... 21

TROUBLE SHOOTING .......................................................................21

REPAIR PARTS-TILLER ...........................................................23-28

REPAIR PARTS-ENGINE .......................................................29-33

PARTS ORDERING/SERViCE ................................back page

Adjustments:

Carburetor ......................................................20

Depth Stake ...............................................10

Handle Height .....................................17

Tines .........................................................19

Throttle ...............................................20

Ground Drive Belt ................................18

Wheels ....................................................13,17

Air Cleaner:

Maintenance ......................................14

Belts:

Ground Drive Belt.................................18

Carburetor':

Adjustment ......................................20

Cooling System:

Maintenance.........................................14

Controls:

Choke ..................................................9

Tine .................................................................9

Throttle ..............................................9

Cultivating:

Operation ....................................13

Depth Stake:

Adjustme nt ..........................................10

Engine:

Air'Cleaner .....................................14

Repair Parts ..................................29 - 33

Cooling System .....................................14

Fuel Type ...........................................12

Lubrication.........................................11

Oil Level .........................................................11

Oil Type ..................................................11

Spark Plug ...............................................14

Starting & Stopping ..........................11,t2

Storage .................................................21

Winter Operation ................................13

INDEX

Fuel:

Filling Tank ..................................................12

Type ................................................12

Storage ...........................................................21

Finish:

Maintenance ...........................................15

Handle:

Repair Parts .....................................23

Height Adjustment ........................17

Lubrication:

Lubrication Chart ..............................16

Engine .................................................11

Maintenance:

Air Cleaner. ...............................14

Cooling System ......................................14

Finish ................................................15

Maintenance Check List ...............i6

Muffler ...................................................14

Spark Plug..........................................14

Transmission .................................15

Oil Change ..........................................15

Muffler:

Maintenance.....................................14

Spark Arrester ...............................32

Oil:

Level .........................................................11

Type .....................................................11

Operation:

Cultivating.....................................13

Fill Engine with Oil ......................15

Fill Fuel Tank ..............................12

Start Engine ....................................12

Stopping Tine & Engine ..............11

Tilling .....................................................10

Tilling Hints ..................................t2

Tine Operation ...................................10

Transporting Tiller ......................11

Winter Operation ..............................13

Repair Parts:

Illustrated Breakdown ........23 - 33

Rules for Safe Operation:

List of Rules .....................................2

Service & Adjustment:

Carburetor .......................................21

Han_lle Height ................................17

Tine Arrangement ..........................19

Throttle Control Adjustment ....20

Ground Drive Belt ............................I8

Service:

Service Record ...................................16

Repair Parts...........................23 - 33

Spark Plug:

Gap ........................................................t4

Storage:

Fuel System ...................................21

Tiller ........................................................21

Tilling:

Operation ....................................................10

Tines:

Repair Parts .................................28

Replacement ..................................19

Operation ...............................................10

Throttle:

Control Adjustment .....................20

Transmission:

Maintenance ..................................15

Repair Parts .................................26

Trouble Shooting:

Chart ..................................................21

Transporting:

Operation .........................................11

Warranty:

Tiller .......................................................3

TILLER ACCESSORIES

THESE ACCESSORIES WERE AVAILABLE WHEN THE TILLER WAS PURCHASED. THEY ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT

MOST SEARS RETAIL OUTLETS, CATALOG AND SERVICE CENTERS. MOST SEARS STORES CAN ORDER REPAIR

PARTS FOR YOU, WHEN YOU PROVIDE THE MODEL NUMBER OF YOUR TILLER,

ENGINE

SPARK PLUG

MUFFLER

AIR FILTER GAS CAN

ENGINE OIL

STABILIZER

ill, lll,ii

TILLER PERFORMANCE

FURROW OPENER

TILLER MAINTENANCE

...................... , i............ ,i ....

BELT TINES RETAINING PIN HAIRPIN CLIP

................. iii iljlllll I I II IIIIII1[

ASSEMBLY

TO ASSEMBLE YOUR TILLER YOU WILL NEED:

(1) utility knife

(1) wire cutter

(1) tire pressure gauge

(1) pair of pliers

(1) screwdriver

(1) 9/16" wrench

(1) ratchet

(1) socket extension

(1) 9/16" socket

OPERATOR'S POSITION

The right hand (RH.) and left hand (LH,) sides of your

Tiller are determined from the Operator's Position while

standing beilind Tiller

FRONT

LEFT RIGHT

OPERATOR'S

POSITION

FIGURE 1

YOUR BAG OF PARTS WILL CONSIST OF THE FOLLOWING:

(1) Owner's Manual

(2) Hairpin Clips (1) Cable Clip

IIIIIIIIIIIlUlIIIIIIIIIIIIIlUlUlIII I I III1'11'11'111111 I I I .....

(2) Carriage Bolts 3/8 - 16 UNC x 1 Gr..5

(1) Handle Lock Lever

iiiiiiii ilUl,ll,ll_UUll,i-iiiuii ii iiiii

(2) Center Locknuts 3/8 x 16 UNC

(1) Fiat Washer 13/32 x 1 x 11 Ga.

iiiiiiiiiiiiii ii I iiiii I i i

(2) Handle Locks

ASSEMBLY

UNPACKING CARTON

BE CAREFUL OF EXPOSED STAPLES

WHEN HANDLING OR DISPOSING OF

CARTONING MATERIAL.

.... H,H,

CAUTION: WHEN UNPACKING AND ASSEMBLING

TILLER, BE CAREFUL NOT TO STRETCH

OR KINK CABLES,,

. While holding Handle Assembly, cut Cable Ties secur-

ing Handle Assembly to Top Frame and Depth Slake°

Let Handle Assembly rest on Tiller.

• Remove Top Frame of Carton.

• Slowly ease Handle Assembly up and place upside

down on top ofCarton (Fig. 2).

FIGURE 2

• Cut down right hand front and right hand rear corners

of Carton, lay side carton wall down.,

• Remove packing material from Handle Assembly,,

• Separate Shift Rod from Handle Assembly,

INSTALL HANDLE

• Insertone Handle Lock (with teeth facing OUTWARD)

in Gearcase Notch (Fig. 3). (Apply grease on smooth

side of Handle Lock to aid in keeping Lock in place

until Handle is lowered into position)°

GEARCASE GEARCASE

NOTCH

HANDLE

LOCK

Grasp Handle Assembly. Hold in "UP" position (Fig.

4), Be sure Handle Lock remains in Gearcase Notch,,

Slide Handle Assembly onto Gearcaseo

f ,...-..= "UP" POSITION

"": "" ', ', _GF'_'_EN HANDLE

"_._ "',", I LOCK LEVER TO

_?'_ " "t HOLD

HANDLE ==,_'_. ', -, ....

FIGURE 4

• Rotate Handle Assembly down to install two Carriage

Bolts and Lock Nuts, Insert rear Carriage Bolt (Fig,,5)

first, with head of Bolt on L.H. side of Tiller, Lower the

Handle Assembly,,Tighten Bolts so Handle moves with

some resistance.

• Insert second Handle Lock (with teeth INWARD) inthe

slot-of the Handle Base (Fig,,5)°

- Place Flat Washer on threaded end of Handle Lock

Lever.,

• Insert Handle Lock Lever through Handle Base and

Gearcase.

• With Handle Assembly in lowest position, securely

tighten Handle Lock Lever by rotating clockwise ((_)o

Leaving Handle Assembly in lowest position wilt make

it easier to remove Tiller from Carton,

GEARCASE HANDLE

LOCK

SLOT \ / FLAT

BOLT / / .ANDLE

"_'_-.JJ_- _ _,./ LOCK

CARRIAGE / ? /

BOLT LOCKNUT

HANDLE LOCKNUT

BASE

FIGURE 3

FIGURE 5

ASSEMBLY

CONNECT SHIFT ROD

, Insert one end of Shift Rod (Fig 6) into hole of Shift

Lever Indicator..

• Swing Shift Rod to the right side of Tiller and insert

one of two Hairpin Clips through hole of Shift Rod.

ATTACH THIS END

TO SHIFT LEVER ATTACH THIS END

INDICATOR TO SHIFT LEVER

' /

SHIFT ROD

FIGURE 6

SHIFT LEVER

SHIFT ROD

HAIRPIN

CLIP

SHIFT

ROD

HAIRPIN CLIP

SHIFT

LEVER

INDICATOR

FIGURE 7

. insert other end of Shift Rod into hole in Shift Lever

(Fig. 8)

• insert second Hairpin Clip throughhole of Shift Rod.

REMOVE TILLER FROM CRATE

• Make sure Shift Lever Indicator (Fig 7) is in "N" posi-

tion._

• Tilt Tiller forward by lifting Handle Separate cardboard

cover from leveling shield.

• Rotate Tiller Handle to the right and pull Tiller out of

Carton

FIGURE 8

TIRE PRESSURE

Reduce Tire pressure to 20 PSI (Tires were overinflated

for shipping purposes). If'Tire pressures are not equal,

Tillerwill pull to one side

CABLE CLIP

Insert Plastic Cable Clip into hoEeon the back of Handle

Column. Push Cables into Clip (Fig. 9)

ADJUSTMENTS

Refer' to Service and Adjustments Section (page 17) to

adjust Handle height

HANDLE

COLUMN

CABLES

CLIP

FIGURE 9

- illl i lllU ill LLUIJLIIILILLII,,, " ........... II JlLILll i ,,.,... Illl ILLJLJLJ I,

OPERATION

KNOW YOUR TILLER

READ THIS OWNER'S MANUAL AND SAFETY RULES BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TILLER.

ComparetheillustrationswithyourTitiertofamiliadze yourself-withthelocationofvariouscontrolsandadjustments Save this

manual forfuture reference°

THROTTLE

DRIVE CONTROL

DEPTH

STAKE

LEVELING

SHIELD

SPARK

SHIFT PLUG

LEVER CHOKE

CONTROL

SHIFT

INDICATOR

RECOIL

STARTER

HANDLE

TRANSMISSION

OUTER SIDE

SHIELD

MODEL PLATE

FIGURE 10

MEETS ANS! SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Sears Rear Tine Tillers conform to the safety standards of the American National Standards Institute (Reference

ANSI/0PE! B71.8-1986 American National Standard for outdoor power equipment - walk-behind powered rotary

tillers- safety specifications),

DRIVE CONTROL BAR - isused to engage Tiller,

THROTTLE CONTROL- is used to control engine speed

SHIFT LEVER - is used to shift transmissioninto differ-

ent gears,

SHIFT LEVER INDICATOR - shows which gear the Tiller

is currently in.

CHOKE CONTROL - isused when starting a cold Engine_

DEPTH STAKE - is used to set the depth at which the

Tiller will dig.

LEVELING SHIELD - smooths tilled ground behind Tiller.

OUTER SIDE SHIELD - Protects small plants from being

buried..

SAFETY DECAL

The decal shown full size below is located on the handle of your Tiller.

OPERATION

The operationofanyTiller canresultinforeign objectsthrownintotheeyes, whichcanresultinsevere

eye damage. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields before starting your Tiller and while tilling. We

recommend Wide Vision Safety Mask for over the spectacles or standard safety glasses, available at

Sears Retail or Catalog Stores°

HOW TO USE YOUR TILLER

Know how to operate all controlsbeforeadding fuel and

oil or attempting to start Engine. (To stop Engine place

ThrottleControl in STOP position,)

TINE OPERATION -WiTH WHEEL DRIVE

• Always release Drive Control Bar before movingShift

Lever intoanother position,

- Tine movement is achieved by moving Shirt Lever to

"T" positionand engaging Drive ControlBar.,

FORWARD - WHEELS ONLY ! TINES STOPPED

• Release Drive Control Bar and move Shift Lever Indi-

cator to "F" position, Engage Drive Control Bar and

Tiller will move forward

REVERSE - WHEELS ONLY / TINES STOPPED

. DO NOT STAND DIRECTLY BEHIND TILLER

• Release the Drive Control Bar

• Move Throttle Control to "SLOW" position..

• Move Shift Lever Indicator to "R" position,

. Hold Drive Control Bar against the Handle (Fig. 11) to

start Tiller movement.,

DRIVE CONTROL BAR

BAR DISENGAGED _ \

POSITION _ \

FIGURE 11

DEPTH STAKE

The Depth Stake can be raised or lowered to allow you

more versatile tilling and cultivating, or to more easily

transportyourtiller (Fig. 12)°

SHALLOWEST

TILLING

TRANSPORT

POSITION

DEEP

TILLING

DEPTH

STAKE

FIGURE 12

TILLING

. Release Depth Stake Pin (Fig. 13). Pull the Depth

Stake up for increased tilling depth. Place Depth Stake

Pin in hole of Depth Stake to lockin position.

• Place Shift Lever Indicator in the "T" position..

• Hold the Drive Control Bar against the Handle to start

tilling movement. Tines and Wheels will both turn.,

. Move Throttle Control to "FAST" position for deep till-

ing. To cultivate, Throttle Control can be set at any

desired speed, depending on how fast or slow you

wish to cultivate.

DEPTH

STAKE PIN

"RELEASED"

POSITION

"LOCKED"

POSITION

NUT "A"

OUTER

SIDE

SHIELD

NUT "B"

FIGURE 13

OPERATION

STOPPING TINES AND ENGINE

. TILLER MOVEMENT AND TINES WILL STOP WHEN

DRIVE CONTROL BAR iS RELEASED.

• Move Shift Lever Indicator to "N" Neutral position.,

• To stop Engine, move Throttle Control to "STOP" posi-

tion.

TURNING

• Release the Drive Contro! Bar.

• MoveThrottle Control to "SLOW" speed,

. Place Shift Lever Indicator in the "F" Forward position.

Tines will not turn,

• Lift Handle to raise Tines out of ground,.

• Swing the Handle in the opposite direction you wish to

turn, being careful to keep feet and legs away from

Tines,,

• When you have completed your turn-around, release

the Drive Control Bar and lower Handle., Place Shift

Lever in "T" positionand move Throttle Control to de-

sired speed, To begin tilling, hold Drive Control Bar

against the Handle.,

OUTER SIDE SHIELDS

The front of the Outer Side Shields are slotted so that

they can be raised for deep tilling and lowered for shal-

low tilling to protect small plants from being buried.

Loosen Nut "A" in slot and Nut "B" (Fig. 13). Move Shield

to desired position (both sides)., Retighten nuts.

TRANSPORTING

. Release the Depth Stake Pin, Move the Depth Stake

down to the top hole for transporting the Tiller. Place

Depth Stake Pin in hole of Depth Stake to lock in

position. This prevents Tines from scuffing the ground,,

• Place Shift Lever Indicator (Fig° 14) in "F" position for

transporting,

SHIFT

LEVER

INDICATOR

FIGURE 14

• Hold the Drive Control Bar against the Handle to start

Tiller Movement, Tines will not turn

• Move Throttle Control to desired speed before slarting

Engine.

CAUTION: PRACTICE THE ABOVE PROCEDURES

SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE FILLING EN-

GINE WITH FUEL AND OIL,,

BEFORE OPERATING YOUR TILLER

FOR THE FIRST TIME, STUDY THIS

SECTION AND THE "RULES FOR

SAFE OPERATION" ON PAGE 2,

ALWAYS RELEASE DRIVE CONTROL

BAR BEFORE MOVING SHIFT LEVER

INTO ANOTHER POSITION°

DON'T BACK YOURSELF INTO A

SOLID OBSTRUCTION SUCH AS A

TREE, FENCE, ETC.

BEFORE STARTING ENGINE

CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL

CAUTION: BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO ALLOW DIRT

TO ENTER THE ENGINE WHEN CHECK-

ING OR ADDING OIL OR FUEL. USE

CLEAN 30 OR 10W-30 WEIGHT OIL AND

STORE IN APPROVED, CLEAN, COVERED

CONTAINERS,, (DO NOT USE PRESSUR-

IZED STARTING FLUID AS SEVERE IN-

TERNAL DAMAGE MAY OCCUR DUE TO

LOSS OF LUBRICATION)

• With Engine level, remove Oil Filler Plug (Fig 15),

• Engine oil should be to point of almost overttowing,

Engine oil capacity is about 1-1/4 pints (20 ounces),

OIL LEVEL OIL FILLER

PLUG

FIGURE 15

OPERATION

FILL FUEL TANK

• TO fill Fuel Tank (Fig 16), use fresh, clean regular

unleaded automotive gasoline Capacity is about 2

quarts_

FILL TO WITHIN 1/2 INCH OF TOP OF

FUEL TANK TO PREVENT SPILLS

AND TO ALLOW FOR FUEL EXPAN-

SION. IF GASOLINE IS ACCIDEN-

TALLY SPILLED, MOVE MACHINE

AWAY FROM AREA OF SPILL.

AVOID CREATING ANY SOURCE OF

IGNITION UNTIL GASOLINE VAPORS

HAVE DISAPPEARED.

FUEL

TANK

CAUTION:

FIGURE 16

EXPERIENCE INDICATES THAT ALCO-

HOL BLENDED FUELS (CALLED GASO-

HOL OR USING ETHANOL OR METHA-

NOL) CAN ATTRACT MOISTURE WHICH

LEADS TO SEPARATION AND FORMA-

TION OF ACIDS DURING STORAGE.

ACIDIC GAS CAN DAMAGE THE FUEL

SYSTEM OF AN ENGINE WHILE IN

STORAGE

TO AVOID ENGINE PROBLEMS, THE

FUEL SYSTEM SHOULD BE EMPTIED

BEFORE STORAGE FOR 30 DAYS OR

LONGER. DRAIN THE GAS TANK, START

THE ENGINE AND LET IT RUN UNTIL

THE FUEL LINES AND CARBURETOR

ARE EMPTY. USE FRESH FUEL NEXT

SEASON. SEE STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS

FOR _RMATtON

ADDITIONAL

NEVER USE ENGI OR CARBURETOR

CLEANER PRODUCTS iN THE FUEL

TANK OR PERMANENT DAMAGE MAY

OCCUR

TO START ENGINE

KEEP THE DRIVE CONTROL BAR IN

"DISENGAGED" POSITION WHEN

STARTING ENGINE.

. Make sure Spark Plug Wire isproperly connected.

• Move the Shift Lever Indicator to"N" Neutral position,

. Place Throttle Control in "FAST" position.

o Place Choke Control in "CHOKE" position if the En-

gine is cold, A warm Engine may not require choking

to start

• Grasp Starter Handle with one hand and grasp the

Tilller Handle with other hand. Pull Rope out slowly un-

til Engine reaches start of Compression Cycle (Rope

will pull slightly harder at this point)_

• Pull Rope with a rapid, continuous, full arm stroker

Keep a firm grip on Starter Handle and let Rope re-

wine slowly_ Do not let Starter Handle snap back

against Starter'

. When Engine start,s, place, Choke Control on Engine

halfway between CHOKE and "RUN" positions and

then to "RUN" position as Engine warms up

• Move Throttle Control halfway between "FAST" and

"STOP" position for a few minutes to warm up.

NOTE: tn order to idle smoothly, a new Engine may

require 3 to 5 minutes running time above slow idle

speed. Idle speed has been adjusted to be correct after

this break-in period.

TILLING/CULTIVATING TIPS

TILLING

Tilling is digging into, turning over', and breaking up

packed soil before planting_ Loose, unpacked soil helps

root growth_ Best tilling depth is 4" to 6'L A Tiller will

also clear the soil of unwanted vegetation, The decom-

position of this ve._etable matter enriches the soil. De-

pending on the chmate (rainfall and wind), it may be

advisable to till the soil at the end of the growing sea.

son to further condition the soil

Soil conditionsare important for proper tilling."13nes

willnot readily penetrate dry, hard soilwhich may con-

tribute to excessive bounce and difficult handlingof

)tour Titler_Hard soil should be moistened before till-

ing; however, extremely wet soilwill"ball-up"or clump

during tilling,Wait untilthe soil is less wet in order to

achieve the best results° When tilling in the fall, re-

move vines and longgrass to preventthem from wrap-

ping around the Tine Shaft and slowing your tilling

operation.

OPERATION

. For easier handling of your Tiller, leave about 8 inches

of untilled soil between the first and second tilling

passes. The third pass will be between the first and

second (Fig. 17).

OUTERVIEWOFTIRE

_ _ ,_ _'_ HAIRPIN

CLIP

FIGURE 17

• Do not lean on the Handle. This takes weight off the

Wheels and reduces traction. To get through a really

tough section of sod or hard ground, apply upward

pressure on Handle or lower the Depth Stake,.

CULTIVATING

Cultivating is destroying the weeds between rows to pre-

vent them from robbing nourishment and moisture from

the plants,.At the same time, breaking up the upper layer

of soil crust will help retain moisture in the soil. Best

digging depth is 1" to3". Lower the Outer Side Shields to

protect small plants from being buried_

• Cultivate up and down the rows at a speed which will

allow Tines to uproot weeds and leave the ground in

rough condition, promoting no further growth of weeds

and grass (Fig. 18).

°'°oi

O oO

FIGURE 18

ADJUST WHEELS FOR CULTIVATING

• Place blocks under right hand side of Tiller and re-

move Hairpin Clip and Retainer Pin from right hand

Wheel (Fig..19)._

• Move Wheel outward and approximately 1 inch until

hole in Inner Wheel Hub lines up with inner hole in

Axle.

FIGURE 19

• Replace Retainer Pin and Hairpin Clip on inside of

Wheel (Fig..20) and remove blocks..

. Repeat precedingsteps on left hand side.

NOTE: In extremely roughconditionsand whilecultivat-

ing, the Wheels should be moved outward on the Axle

for increasedstability_

INNERVIEW OFTIRE

RETAINI

HAIRPIN ""I- \'\ _._

CLIP \',

FIGURE 20

WINTER OPERATION (UNDER 32°F)

ENGINE LUBRICATION

• Engine oilmust be chan_ed before the air temperature

drops below 32°F. Dram the Engine oil when Tiller

Engine is at operatingtemperature°

• By refillingthe Engine with 5W30 oil you will promote

easier starting,

NOTE: Be sure to change Engine oil back to S.AE 30

or 10W30 (SD, SE, or SF) for springTilling,

FUEL

Use fresh, clean, regular unleaded automotive gasoline,

Capacity is about 2 quarts,

COLD WEATHER STARTING HINTS

, Be sure to use the proper oil and gasoline..

• Keep Drive Control Bar in "DISENGAGED" position

when starting the Engine

• Set Throttle Control at medium to fast position and use

full Choke for starting_ Slowly move Choke Control to

"RUN" position as Engine warms up,.

i, illllllllllllii i i i ii i i i i i iillllll

MAINTENANCE

i ............

DISCONNECT SPARK PLUG WIRE

FROM SPARK PLUG BEFORE PER-

FORMING ANY MAINTENANCE (EX*

CEPT CARBURETOR ADJUSTMENT )

TO PREVENT ACCIDENTAL START-

ING OF ENGINE.

PREVENT FIRES! KEEP THE ENGINE

FREE OF GRASS, LEAVES, SPILLED

OIL, OR FUEL. REMOVE FUEL FROM

TANK BEFORE TIPPING UNIT FOR

MAINTENANCE. CLEAN MUFFLER

AREA OF ALL GRASS, DIRT, AND DE-

BRIS.

DO NOT TOUCH HOT MUFFLER OR

CYLINDER FINS AS CONTACT MAY

CAUSE BURNS.

COOLING SYSTEM

Your Engine isair cooled. For proper Engine performance

and long lifeKEEP YOUR ENGINE CLEAN,

• Clean Air Screen (Fig,.21) frequently using a stiff bristled

brush

• Remove Blower' Housing and clean as necessary,,

. Keep Cylinder Fins free of dirt and chaff,

BLOWER

HOUSING

CYLINDER

MUFFLER FINS

AIR SCREEN

FIGURE 21

AIR CLEANER

Replace Air Cleaner Cartridge every twenty-five hours,

more often if Engine isused in very dusty conditions:

• Loosen Air Cleaner Screws, one on each side of Cover

(Fig. 22),

AIR

CLEANER

SCREW

COVER

AIR CLEANER

CARTRIDGE

FIGURE 22

• Remove Air Cleaner Cover,

- Carefully remove Air Cleaner Cartridge° Be careful. Do

not allow dirt or debris to fail into Carburetor.

• Install new Air Cleaner Cartridge_ Clean and replace

Cover, Tighten Screws secureiy_

MUFFLER

Do not operate Tiller without Muffler (Fig. 21),, Do not

tamper with exhaust system, Damaged Mufflers or Spark

Arresters could create a fire hazard. Inspect periodically

and replace _fnecessary. If your Engine is equipped with a

Spark Arrester Screen Assembly, remove every 50 hours

for cleaning and inspection_ Replace ifdamaged.

SPARK PLUG

. The Spark Plug should be changed every 50 hours of

operation or at the beginning of every tilling season_

. Set gap at .030". Order Spark Plug listedin the Repair

Parts Section ofthis Manual

SPARKING CAN OCCUR IF SPARK

PLUG WIRE TERMINAL DOES NOT

FIT FIRMLY ON SPARK PLUG, RE-

FORM TERMINALIF NECESSARY.

.03_'FEELER

GAUGE

SPARK PLUG

FIGURE 23

MAINTENANCE

ENGINE LUBRICATION

Your four cycle Engine will normally consume some oil,

therefore check Engine oil level regularly--approximately

every five hours of operation and before each usage. Stop

Engine and wait several minutes before checking oii level,

With Engine level the oil must be even with oil fill(Fig. 24),

Change Engine oil after the first two hours of operation

and every twenty five hours thereafter or at the beginning

of every tilling season.

• Drain oil while Engine is warm,

• Remove Oil Drain Ptug (Fig 24)

. T_pTiller forwardand catch oil in a suitable container,

• When Engine isdrained of all oil, replace Oil Drain Ptugo

• Refill with fresh SAE 30 or SAE 10W-30 weight oil.

TRANSMISSION

Your Transmissionissealed and will onlyrequire lubri-

cation ifserviced_

FINISH

Keep your Tiller finish and Wheels free of gasoline, oil,

etc_Protectpainted surfaceswith automotive typewax.

OIL

DRAIN

PLUG

OIL

LEVEL

OIL FILLER

PLUG

FIGURE 24

................................. ,,,,,,,,,,,

SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS

LUBRICATION CHART- OIL PIVOT POINTS

USE SAE 30 OIL

TH ROIRLE

CONTROL

IDLER

BRACKET

SHIFT

LEVER

DEPTH

STAKE PIN

WHEEL

HUB

FIGURE 25

SHIELD HINGE

IH Ill NN

MAINTENANCE

CHECK LIST

SERVICE RECORD

FILL IN DATES

AS YOU COMPLETE

REGULAR SERVICE

Check Engine Oil Level

Change Engine Oil

ill Nnl

Oil Pivot points

Inspect Spark Arrester Muffler

inspect Air Screen

Clean Air Cleaner

_Xd_l,, ,,,,,,,,,i....

V V

SERVICE DATES

Clean Engine Cylinder Fins

llll IN ,HIINI

Replace Spark Plug

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS

POSITION HANDLE

Select Handle height suitable for you and your tilling

conditions,Handle heightwillchangewhen Tillerdigsinto

the soilo

TO ADJUST HANDLE:

• Firstloosen Handle LockLever (Fig,26),,

• Handle can be positionedat differentsettingsbetween

"HIGH" and "LOW" positions,

• Retighten Handle Lock Lever securely after adjusting°

"HIGH"

POSITION

HANDLE

LOCK

LEVER

FIGURE 26

TIRE CARE

WHEN MOUNTING TIRES, UNLESS

BEADS ARE SEATED, OVERINFLA-

TION CAN CAUSE AN EXPLOSION.

- Maintain 20pounds ofTire pressure. IfTire pressures are

not equal, Tiller will pull to one side.

• Keep Tires free of gasoline or oil which can damage

rubber,,

WHEEL REMOVAL

To remove Wheel and Tire for repair:

• Place blocks under the Transmission to keep Tiller from

tipping°

• Remove Hairpin Clip and Retaining PinfromWheel (Fig.,

27).

" Remove Wheel and Tire,,

• Repair Tire and reassemble,

RETAINING

FIGURE 27

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS

,ll,

GROUND DRIVE BELT REPLACEMENT

- Remove Hairpin Clip and RetainingPinfrom Hub ofleft

hand Wheel Pull Wheel out from Tiller aboutI inc_h__

- Remove Belt Guard by removing two (2) Cap Nuts, one

(1) Hex Nut and three (3) Washers sothat the Belt Guard

can slide straight out away from the Engine (Fig. 28).

CAP

NUT

BELT

GUARD

HEX

(LOCATED

BEHIND TIRE)

NUT

HAIRPIN CLIP

AND RIVET

• Loosen Belt Guides "A" and "B", and also Nuts "C"

and "D" (Fig. 29)°

• Remove oldBelt by slipping from Engine Pulley firsL

• Place Belt in groove of Transmission Pulley and into

oove of Engine Pulley,rBELT MUST BE tN GROOVE

N TOP OF IDLER PULLEY_ NOTE POSITION OF

BELT TO GUIDES.,

• Tighten Belt Guides "A" and "B" and Nuts "C" and "D".

• Replace Belt Guard, Washers, Cap Nuts, and Hex NuL

- Reposition Wheel and replace Retaining Pin and Hair-

pin Cfip_

GROUND DRIVE BELT ADJUSTMENT

For proper belt tension, the Extension Spring should have

about 518 inch stretch with Drive Control Bar in "EN-

GAGED" position_ This tension can be obtained as fol-

lows:

• Loosen Cable Clip Screw securing the Drive Control

Cable (Fig. 29 - INSET A)..

• Slide Cable forward for less tension and rearward for

more tension until about 5/8 inch stretch is obtained

while the Drive Control Bar is engaged (Fig. 29 -

INSET B)_

• Tighten Cable Clip Screw securely_

FIGURE 28

BELT BELT CABLE CLIP

GUIDE"B" GUIDE"A" SCREW

DRIVE CONTROL

CABLE

INSET A

ENGINE

PULLEY

NUT "D"

IDLER

PULLEY

EXTENSION

SPRING

TRANSMISSION

PULLEY

LESS

TENSION

INSET B

TENSION

FIGURE 29

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT

TINE REPLACEMENT

STOP THE ENGINE AND REMOVE

THE SPARK PLUG WIRE FROM THE

SPARK PLUG BEFORE CLEANING

OUT THE TINES BY HAND. USE CAU*

TION : TINES ARE SHARP.

A badly worn Tine causes your Tiller towork harder and

dig more shallow.. Most important, worn Tines cannot

chop and shred organic matter as effectively nor bury it

as deeply as good Tines. A Tine this worn needs to be

replaced (Fig. 30).

NEW

TINE

WORN

TINE

FIGURE 30

• To maintain the superb tillingperformance of this ma-

chine the Tines should be checked forsharpness, wear,

and bending, particularlythe Tlnes which are nextto

the Transmission° If the gap between the Tines ex-

ceeds 3-1/2 inches, they should be replaced or straight-

ened as necessary (Fig 31)4

!_ TINE t

L i,,,io ,, / o

TINE

TI _ 3-1t2" MAX,

FIGURE 31

• New Tines should be assembled as shown below (Fig.

32)° Sharpened "Fine edges will rotate rearward from

above..

RETAINING PIN

SHARP \_

EDGE

RETAINING PIN

SHARP

EDGE

I OUNTER

TINE

ROTATION

SHARP

EDGE

HAIRPIN CLIP

SHARP

EDGES

FIGURE 32

IIIlUlII

SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENT

CARBURETOR

NOTE: A dirty Air Cleaner willcause the Engine to run

rough. Be sure Air Cleaner is clean before adjustments_

Factory settings are satisfactory for most applications

and conditions, if adjustments are needed, proceed as

follows:

Never attempt to change maximum Engine speed. This

is preset at the fa,ctory and should only be changed by a

qualified service technician who has the necessary

equipment. The Carburetor mixture may need re-adjust-

ingit Engine lacks power' or does not idle properly,

MIXTURE ADJUSTMENT

. Turn Needle Valve (Fig. 33) clockwise (('_1)until it just

closes. Valve may be damaged by turning Needle Valve

intoo far,

• Open Needle Valve 1-1t2 turnscounterclockwise (J¢'_),

This initial adjustment will permit the Engine to be

started and warmed up prior to final adjustment,

• Start the Engine,. Allow Engine to warm up for about 5

minutes before proceeding,,

. Place Throttle Control in "iDLE" position,

• Turn Needle Valve in until Engine slows (clockwise

((-_) lean mixture).,

THROTTLE THROTTLE

LINKAGE STOP

* Next turnNeedle Valve out past smoothoperatingpoint

untilEngine runsunevenly(counterclockwise(F'_) rich

mixture).

, Now turn Needle Valve to the midpoint between rich

and lean sothe Engine runs smoothly_

IDLE RPM ADJUSTMENT

• To adjust Idle RPM, Rotate Throttle Linkage counter-

clockwise (V'_,)and hold against stop while adjusting

Idle Speed Adjusting Screw to obtain 1750 RPM. Re-

lease Throttle Linkage,,

CHECKING ADJUSTMENT

. Test the Engine by tilling,If Engine dies out, it usually

indicates that the mixture isslightly lean and it may be

necessary to turn the Needle Valve counterclockwise

(_"_,)slightly to provide a richer mixture,. This richer

mixture may cause a slight unevenness in idling..

THROTTLE CONTROL CABLE ADJUSTMENT

CAUTION; NEVER TAMPER WITH THE ENGINE GOV-

ERNOR, WHICH IS FACTORY SET FOR

PROPER ENGINE SPEED°

• Loosen Throttle Cable Adjusting Screw.

. With Throttle Control in"FAST" position and Cable con-

nected to Bellcrank, pull Cable backward through Screw

until Bellcrank is as far rearward as itwill go.

, Tighten Adjusting Screw

MUFFLER ;PARK PLUG

WIRE

IDLE SPEED NEEDLE

ADJUSTING VALVE

SCREW

THROTTLE

CABLE

ADJUSTING

SCREW

9ELLCRANK

FIGURE 33

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Sears 917.299642 User manual

Brand: Sears

Model: 917.299642

Category: Mini tillers

Type: User manual

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